Feels

I've waited to write this story. I hope it makes sense...

 

Yesterday after work I stopped by Albertson’s. A boy was tending to a dog on a leash outside. Pretty little dog, cute kid. The dog was whining though, big. Maybe it needed to potty, I don’t know. But the sound of the dog whining, people bustling in and out of the store, some masked, others not, cars driving by making car noises, all the noises and feels got to me. It was overwhelming. I don’t know what ‘it’ was. Anticipation? Worry?

 

I told God I couldn’t deal with all the feels. There’s so much hurt. And fear. Fear is rampant. 

 

Some wish harm on those who disagree with them. 

 

How do we deal, as believers, with insanity and evil?

 

Forgive seventy times seven.

 

Remember the full armor of God. Ephesians 6. Put on your armor every day. 

 

Don't roll over or shrink to become smaller. 

Stand firm. 

 

When bumped, imagine sharks bumping whales. They bump, and sometimes they even take a bite.

 

Remember, sharks are bumping into Christ when bumping into you. 

 

Remember your warrior's shield mirror. Your mirror, facing the bumpers, reflects their intentions and heart, back to them. Stay behind that mirror, in Christ. 

 

When we choose grace, we are giving them the opportunity to repent. 

 

Choose grace. Every time. 

 

Pray for wisdom, and when God gives wisdom (and He will), use it. 

 

Remember David and Nathan the prophet? Nathan was a good friend and a trusted advisor. Nathan spoke truth to King David even when, especially when, truth was painful. 

 

Everything has spiritual significance. 

 

Never forget, especially now. 

 

Every day I'm grateful for trusted friends and advisors. God knew I would need them. We all do. 

 

Surround yourself with good people, wise people. 

 

I'm praying for you. You do the same for me.